R32: have you discovered the refrigerant of the future?

You may have heard of Difluoromethane, better known as refrigerant R32. It’s been hailed the next generation of refrigerant for its outstanding properties and compliance with the European phase down of HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons) / man made F-gases (fluorinated greenhouse gases) used in commercial refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems.

The EU Regulation is a response to environmental concerns, as F-Gases’ global warming effect is huge: 23,000 times greater than CO2. HVAC accounts for 75% of refrigerant usage so it’s our collective duty to source alternatives for the sake of humans and animals at risk from natural disasters, rising sea levels and melting ice caps.

Why R32 affects you

HFCs with high Global Warming Potential will be phased down dramatically by 2030. Installers, users and managers of air conditioning systems need to adapt as traditional refrigerants become less readily available. Systems may need upgrading or replacing, and serviced by specially trained engineers. Over the next 15 years, the EU legislation will even ban the use of refrigerant gases like R22.

You’ll need to make informed decisions about the sustainability and legality of your AC systems, particularly those over 15 years old. Adcock R32 expert engineers can take a look at any systems you have, whether we installed them or not, to advise on what can be done to satisfy EU F-Gas Regulations.

Benefits of R32, used by global industry leaders, include:

• Superior energy efficiency resulting in a lower refrigerant charge
• Environmental benefits such as zero ozone depletion potential and being easy to reuse and recycle, resulting in a lower carbon footprint
• Being a ‘low GWP alternative’ (one third of the level of R410A)
• Readily available to meet global demand
• More affordable, whilst prices are increasing for R410A

Adcock can help you comply

Switching to R32 doesn’t mean compromising style, cost or innovation. On the contrary, the leading manufacturers are steaming ahead with internal and external solutions for a range of buildings with features such as built-in WiFi, 3D sensors (automatically boosting comfort based on room occupancy), sophisticated leak-checks, filters to neutralise health-compromising contaminants, longer pipe runs and the lowest ever noise levels. In summary, they are better for the occupants, building owners and environment.

Adcock is committed to changing the status quo and reducing F-Gases by training engineers to competently install and service these HVAC systems of the future. It’s unlikely that you will need to overhaul all your equipment. We are actively involved in phasing out traditional refrigerants like R22 with new drop in replacements to update systems, improve efficiency and ultimately protect the planet for future generations.

Action points

There is no getting away from the move to low GWP refrigerants across the global industry and systems over 15 years old will almost certainly be affected. We recommend:

• Reviewing your current systems for banned or phased down refrigerants (including R404A, R407C, R410A and R134A) so you know what needs to be changed
• Planning replacements for existing systems containing banned substances like R22. Whilst you can still use your system, it’s illegal to use R22 for maintenance, servicing or repairs
• Specifying R32 when sourcing and installing new HVAC equipment so your systems can run efficiently, reduce your carbon footprint and last for years to come.

If we are already looking after your systems then we have all this in hand. We are top tier partners for market leaders like Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Toshiba, Fujitsu and Panasonic, so for peace of mind please contact us and we will put you in touch with your local branch.